Collage

Photographic Collage

The art of pasting objects and images to a surface has been practiced internationally for centuries. To label this process, a formal name of "collage" was eventually derived from the French term "papiers colles," or glued papers. Collage is noticeable in the early cubist works of Braque and Picasso when they worked with pasted papers.

Since then, this art form has evolved into applied materials of all kinds, often with mixed media. Any type of paint, writing material, or image that can be applied and held to a surface is fair game when working with collage. Among the materials that can be applied, photographic images are perhaps the most versatile and offer the greatest range of color, content, and composition.

Among the pioneers using photos in collage was the singular female member of the Berlin Dada group, Hannah Hoech. In the early part of the Twentieth Century, she virtually founded photomontage, which consisted of using mass-produced images that she arranged to reflect the world as she experienced it.

With this form of art, emphasis is usually more on representing abstract relationships by juxtaposing carefully selected images. You need only observe the many graphic illustrations and images in daily life to find ideas and subject matter.

Collage can be used to eloquently illustrate ideas that are often difficult to capture and express. Photographic collage subjects that can be incorporated into artwork can be found in common sources such as newspapers, magazines, color printouts, and illustrated books as well as photographs. If original images cannot be used for an actual photocollage project, high-quality color copies can now be inexpensively made. Another benefit to photo replication is that images may be scaled (reduced or enlarged) to a specific size necessary for a composition.

Since photocollage can be textural and layered, care must be given to the type of support material that acts as a base. Illustration board is often the best solution when light paper and photographic images are used. But, since the glue and paint will often tend to buckle this type of board, it should first be pinned down (or taped with masking tape) to a firm drawing board until it has dried thoroughly.

To build a photocollage, most artists usually start by gathering the source images that will be used to create the composite image. Once assembled, the images are first roughly cut to size and then laid out on a flat surface to assess size, color, proportion, and general compositional layout.

As the photographic images are seen altogether and then shifted about, ideas concerning their layout and association become more apparent. At this point, the images can be further trimmed and matched to other adjacent compositional images. As the arrangements become finalized and you like what you see, you can then go ahead and start gluing the images down.

Many types of wood or paper glue will work well with photocollage. When applying glue to paper photo images, take the piece you want to work with and place it face-down on a piece of cardboard. Then spread the glue with a brush or finger until coated evenly to all edges. Then turn the glued paper over and carefully place it on the collage surface. Next, lay a piece of clean wrapping (or wax) paper over the area and firmly press the photo image down while spreading the glue evenly. Blot up any excess glue with a damp cloth.

Photo images may also be affixed to paper board by dry mounting. This process is good for a non-wrinkled surface. Before any large-scale work begins, small samples should be tested to review the effectiveness of a glue bond, degree of wrinkling, and any adverse interaction between adhesive and the photo emulsion of an image surface. Later, a matte finish of varnish can be added for extra stiffness and surface protection.

For added interest, you might try using more diverse and exciting elements to enhance your photocollage. Various colored papers, plastic pieces, or found objects can be introduced to make visual statements of all kinds. For some pieces, plastic parts from different hobby models (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships) can be incorporated into the photocollage landscape to create a very detailed, three-dimensional topography. Later, these elements can be painted or enhanced as desired.

Photocollage techniques can also be used very effectively to enhance photographic images. For example, if you take a photographic image of a running person and cut it into thin horizontal strips and then shift each adjoining strip alternately left and right, an exaggerated effect of motion appears. Or take photographic images of two different faces (same approximate size) and cut in strips as described above. Then reassemble an image by using a different face for each alternate strip.

You may want to develop a theme piece (with items of similar nature); or maybe dissimilar arrangements will portray an idea best. Those who are good with cameras can locate and capture their own images to use in collage. As always, explore; let your imagination guide your selections and materials.

By definition, collage is a process of stimulating the imagination through an association of unique images, either similar or contrasting. As such, for an artist, it is an invaluable exercise in which to practice and create. Since this medium is so diverse and accessible, photocollage offers endless expression for those motivated to explore it.